Context: 

Recently, the United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted a landmark resolution recognizing, for the first time, the critical connection between plastic pollution, Ocean Protection, and the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

Key Highlights of the Resolution 

• Adopted by consensus on the final day of the Council’s 58th session.
• Emphasizes that plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss together threaten ocean health and, by extension, imperil basic human rights. 
• It emphasizes that protecting marine ecosystems is essential not only for ecological balance but also for human dignity and well-being.

Building on prior UN action:

• 2021 UNHRC recognition of the right to a healthy environment.
• 2022 UN General Assembly resolution affirming the same right.

The adoption is based on a December 2024 report from the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to a healthy environment. 

The resolution arrives ahead of two major international events: 

• The UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France (June, 2025) 
• The final round of negotiations for a global treaty to end plastic pollution, in Geneva (August, 2025). 

Significance of the Resolution 

• Strengthens UNHRC’s role as a bridge-builder, urging States to include human rights, especially the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, in the global plastic treaty. 
• Support the Precautionary Principle in environmental governance.
• Aligns with the advisory opinion on climate change by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, especially regarding ocean governance. 
• Expected to catalyse the integration of human rights into national and international ocean policies and strategies.

About the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

The UNHRC was established in March 2006 by Resolution 60/251, replacing the former Commission on Human Rights. 

It is a UN aims to promote and protect human rights globally, address violations, and coordinate human rights efforts within the UN system.

In 2007, the Council adopted an “institution-building package” to set up its procedures and mechanisms. Key mechanisms included:

• Universal Periodic Review: Assesses the human rights situations in all UN Member States.
• Advisory Committee: Acts as the Council’s think tank, providing expertise and advice on thematic human rights issues.
• Complaint Procedure: Allows individuals and organizations to bring human rights violations to the Council’s attention.

The headquarters of the UN Human Rights Council is located in Geneva, Switzerland. 

• The 58th session of the Human Rights Council concluded on April 4, 2025, after adopting 32 resolutions. 

The Council consists of 47 members, elected by majority vote through a direct and secret ballot at the UN General Assembly for three-year terms. 

• They are not eligible for immediate re-election after serving two consecutive terms.

The Council's Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution. Seats are distributed as follows:

• African States: 13 seats
• Asia-Pacific States: 13 seats
• Latin American and Caribbean States: 8 seats
• Western European and other States: 7 seats
• Eastern European States: 6 seats

Constitutional Provisions for Environmental Protection

Article 21: “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.”

• Interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to a pollution-free and healthy environment.
• M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1987):  A pollution-free environment is part of the right to life.
• M.K. Ranjitsinh & Others v. Union of India (2024): Recognized the right to be free from adverse impacts of climate change under Articles 21 and 14.

Article 48A: “The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.”

Article 51A(g): “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.”